DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
BERNE – The South Adams Starfires kept the train rolling in the bottom of the second inning to climb back into Saturday’s home opener against Coldwater, answering three Cavalier runs with three of their own tie the game at a wet and soggy Harry F. Anderson Field, but a 12-run fourth inning doomed any hopes of a 2-0 start for coach Brad Buckingham’s team. Coldwater got back on the bus with an 18-4 win in five innings.
Playing on a warm but windy Saturday afternoon, both teams had to deal with a waterlogged outfield with grass that had not yet been cut.
It wasn’t the outfield that ultimately made the difference, though, with both teams combining for just four extra-base hits (all doubles). Instead, it was a combination of six SA errors and twelve singles by the visitors, who ended the game early.
Coldwater catcher Bennett Spriggs was a perfect 3-for-3, knocking in three runs and scoring three times. His one-out single in the fourth made it a 9-3 lead for Coldwater.
Derek Weaver pitched the opening two innings for the Starfires and struck out three, giving up four runs (two earned).
The Starfires struggled to record outs once Weaver left in the third.
South Adams scored their three runs with a couple of bunts, forcing Coldwater to make plays, and taking extra bases. Haden Meyer’s bunt was the key moment in the bottom of the second.
Derek McKean knocked in a run for a consolation prize in the bottom of the fifth for an RBI. It was one of just four base hits for the home team.
Caleb Schroer threw three innings and struck out two to earn the win.
South Adams will play three home games this week against quality opponents: Norwell on Tuesday, Winchester on Wednesday and Bellmont on Friday on 92.7 FM.
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